Learning objectives
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Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Biology, General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
Course unit content
General biochemistry: The chemical and structural properties of the main macromolecules present in a cell.Metabolism: the main metabolic processes responsible for producing the energy necessary to keep the cell alive. Metabolic integration.
Full programme
Functions of proteins: transporters, defense and muscular contraction
Enzymes - Structure and classification of enzymes. Coenzymes. Enzyme-substrate interactions. Enzymatic kinetics. Mechanisms of enzymatic regulation.Introduction to metabolism - Anabolism and catabolism.Glucose Metabolism - Aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis. Gluconeogenesis. Cori cycle. Glycogen syntesis and glycogenolysis. Hormonal regulation of glucose metabolism.Lipid metabolism - Plasmatic lipoproteins. Lipolysis and its hormonal regulation. Beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Ketogenesis. Biosynthesis of fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol. Statins. Synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Aminoacid and protein metabolism - Intracellular protein degradation. Transamination and desamination. Transport of ammonia to the liver. Alanine cycle. Urea cycle. Glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids. Nucleotide metabolism - Degradation of purines and pyrimidines. Recovery route of nucleobases. Forms of hyperuricemia. Mitochondrial metabolism - Cyclic acid cycle. Complexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Mitchell's chemo-osmotic theory. Transport of reducing equivalents in the mitochondria. Respiratory control.Hormones - General mechanism of cellular action of hormones based on their structure. Structure, receptors and mechanism of action of insulin.Vitamins - Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins: structure, functions, mechanism of action and main deficiencies.Hemostasis biochemistry - Molecular mechanisms of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation.
Bibliography
Introduction to Biochemistry of Lehninger
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Freeman Publisher
Biochimica Medica, strutturale, metabolica e funzionale Siliprandi e Tettamanti
Piccin Editore
Teaching methods
During lectures (face-to-face / in streaming), the teacher will illustrate and discuss the different topics of the program. Students' reception for clarifications and exercises only by appointment (face-to-face or using Teams).
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of the achievement of the objectives of the course consists of an oral examination of the whole program of the Biochemistry course.
In the case of coronavirus emergency, the exams will be performed with tests online using Teams platforms.
Other information
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